Whether or not you’re a fan of the outdoors or not, climate change will likely force many of us to face a lot of these issues, so it’s best to be prepared.
This year has provided endless reasons to replace screens with time spent in nature.
As a stereotypical outdoorsy girl from the Pacific Northwest, the mountains, forest, and water have always been my happy place away from work, obligations, and existential despair.
However, whenever I take my more city-inclined friends hiking, camping, or anywhere outside urban limits, I am reminded that survival skills and etiquette aren’t second nature for everyone. We should all be spending more time outside, but for those newer to the space, safety awareness could save your life. Nature, unfortunately, isn’t 100% toxin-free.
Please also keep in mind that due to the uncertainty of America’s public land stewards, staff may not be available to come to your rescue or answer questions. Thus, preparations and mindful visits are imperative.
The horrific L.A. wildfires served as a stark reminder that, unfortunately, many of us could end up in climate-crisis-induced survival situations. So, even if you’re more of an indoor cat type, please take note of these suggestions for staying healthy outdoors.
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Hydrate Safely
We can go days and, in some cases, weeks without food. The same is not true for water. Most studies estimate people will only last a few days without it. We need to drink regularly to sustain the 50-70% of our bodies that is made up of water. This isn’t a problem when you’re at home, work, or bopping around town with shops on every corner.
Once you leave the city and suburban limits, though, you’ll need a plan. Bring pre-filtered water from home (and, for the sake of the environment, please use reusable bottles). A hydration backpack makes a worthwhile investment; most hold multiple liters. For multi-day excursions, such as camping trips, gallon jugs can be purchased at most recreation or grocery stores.
Sometimes, it’s not reasonable to pack all the water required. In those instances, take a filtration system such as LifeStraw or purification tablets. That way, you can always hydrate at any stream, river, or lake water you encounter.
A little bit of research can be the difference between a fun and an uncomfortable trip. Look up the park, campground, or area you plan to visit, water availability is usually listed. When hiking or backpacking, map out your route to check for any natural water source(s). Bear in mind the season, summer can dry out springs or shallow bodies. When you arrive, pay attention to signs at water stations; non-potable means don’t drink it!
Choose Snacks Wisely
It might be medically possible to go days without eating, but it isn’t recommended, especially when partaking in outdoor activities. You’ll want to fuel up properly. So, fill a lunch bag or cooler, or, worst case, stop at a store en route.
Foraging for fresh berries or mushrooms along the trail can be a fun part of the experience. That said, don’t pick anything you (or an expert guide) aren’t absolutely sure is safe to consume. When in doubt, do NOT put it in your mouth.
“Pack in, pack out” will be crucial as the US’s public lands continue to suffer from understaffing for the foreseeable future. Trails and parks might have an elevated risk of trash buildup and other maintenance backlogs. Be respectful, dispose of trash properly, and leave no trace.
Mind the Air Quality
As a born-and-raised West Coaster, all too familiar with fire (and smoke) season, I obsessively check air quality. The recent L.A. fires reminded all of us that climate change means air quality can shift suddenly, increasingly outside the typical fire season.
Check the forecast (airnow.gov is a great resource, as are local air quality monitoring websites and most weather apps) and day-of numbers. The air quality index is rated from 0 to 500. Particle numbers 50 and under are considered “good,” up to 100 is “fair,” and anything above that, consider adjusting your trip, especially those with respiratory conditions.
Remember that even when firefighters have the burn under control, toxins can remain in the air, particularly around burned structures and homes. This means air quality can remain low for days or weeks past the return of clear skies. Outside of wildfires, volcanic eruptions can also impact your lungs. Check local news and weather if you’re visiting places where that’s a possibility.
If you are in an area where an event causes air quality to plummet, wear a well-fitted respirator mask outside. Stay inside where possible, and click the “recirculate” button in the car to keep clean air recirculating in your vehicle.
Should your destination become an impacted area before arrival, consider postponing or canceling your trip, following local recommendations. A location remaining open isn’t all clear, and it may not be the most pleasant or the experience you envisioned.
Wildlife
Some animals aren’t as obviously dangerous as a bear or mountain lion, but can still contain threatening features. Poisonous snakes, frogs, and bugs could crawl into your shoe or tent or catch an exposed bit of skin on the trail.
Your reaction to a bite can vary, depending on the critter and your own body. In the case of a potentially poisonous encounter, take place, especially if you’re unsure of the severity.
Research, research, research, what type of critters you might come into contact with throughout your trip. Many parks, management services, or tourism board websites will provide these details.
Infection From Injury
Successfully avoiding an encounter with a poison dart frog or anaconda doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You might trip and twist an ankle or slice your wrist on a sharp rock. Always bring a portable first aid kit with basics such as bandages, gauze, disinfectant wipes, and gloves.
Always consider going with a buddy or sticking to more frequently used trails and areas. That way, should you become injured, you aren’t in the middle of nowhere all alone. Even shallow cuts or sores can still be at risk for infection, and you may need assistance getting back to your car or town.
A first aid kit is also good to have in your home and car to grab in case of an evacuation in a natural disaster or other catastrophe.
